The Construction of the new state of the art terminal building at Gurney Airport in Milne Bay province is well underway. The new terminal building is 72% complete. It will be equipped with modern technology designed to improve passenger and cargo movement, while enabling more efficient aircraft turnaround time.
The new terminal building is designed to process and accommodate more than 100 people at any one time. This is intended to reduce passenger congestion and overcrowding. For departure, passengers will move seamlessly from the carpark into the check-in area, before progressing through security into the departure lounge. The terminal building features two levels which are accessible to all passengers via lifts, including people with disabilities. Passengers with lounge access can enjoy the dedicated VIP lounge, while general passengers benefit from spacious waiting areas across both levels. Coffee shops, souvenir kiosks, toilet facilities, and a baby change room are conveniently located, creating a comfortable environment and ensuring a smooth transition from ground to air. The Arrival Hall caters for both internal and domestic processing as/when required. It is equipped with air-condition, providing a calm and comfortable luggage collection experience. Hire car and hotel kiosks are also located within the arrival area, for ease of travel. The new terminal building will feature security screening systems, CCTV, and conveyor to support efficient and secured cargo and baggage movement. It also includes a separate immigration section to serve the international flights in and out of Milne Bay province. The new terminal building is currently at the installation of services, Fit outs and finishing stage with all major building components completed. This is done concurrently with the new carpark. Amongst other ongoing works, the installation of the Airfield Ground Lighting system is also in progress. This on completion will enhance visual approach during landing, in adverse weather conditions. This will also allow the option of flight operations into and out of Gurney after hours. Works on the airside including the asphalting of the 1,960 meters length of the runway was completed in October 2025. Normal operations on the airside were reintroduced in November 2025, after successful inspections and certification by the National Airports Corporation (NAC) and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority of PNG (CASA PNG). The airport is now accommodating the operation of Regular Public Transport (RPT) such as Boeing 737 and Airbus A220 -300 series of jet aircraft. The overall project progress is 75% complete and is anticipated to be completed by August 2026 with plans to open the new terminal building before the country’s 51st Independence celebrations. The National Airports Corporation acknowledges the Government of Papua New Guinea and the Asian Development Bank for making funds available to upgrade the airport facility which is valued at K76.84 million. Furthermore, NAC acknowledges the continued support of the Milne Bay Provincial Government in rolling out activities under the MOA. NAC would like to thank all stakeholders and the travelling public for their patience and cooperation during the implementation of this significant project. NAC further assures the traveling public of Milne Bay Province and the country to deliver the project per schedule.
Approved for release
Dominic Kaumu, ML OBE Acting Managing Director & CEO National Airports Corporation